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Weather Forecast

Lightning forces cancellation of Minneapolis Marathon

MINNEAPOLIS, MN- Thunderstorms in the area prompted the cancellation of Sunday's Minneapolis Marathon, race officials announced.

"Due to concerns for public safety, the 2014 Minneapolis Marathon is canceled," read a statement on the race's Facebook page Sunday morning. "The current lightning strikes on the course and the predicted severe weather cell arriving before the finish of the half marathon made this decision necessary. An experienced team of police and weather professionals made this very difficult call for the safety of the runners."

The start of the race initially was delayed before officials later decided to cancel the event.

The race had drawn about 6,500 entrants as of last week, according to its Facebook page.

The Minneapolis Marathon is a different race than the Twin Cities Marathon, which is held in fall.